Structural bonding composite

Abstract

A structural bonding composite includes a polymeric base member, a first structural adhesive layer on a first side of the base member, a second structural adhesive layer on a second side of the base member opposite the first side, and a reinforcement member secured to a portion of the base member to maintain a predetermined thickness of the base member against compression applied to the first and second sides of the base member.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A glazing system comprising:
 a fenestration unit having opposed first and second major surfaces; 
 a frame member having a first major surface facing the first major surface of the fenestration unit; 
 a structural bonding composite interposed between the first major surface of the frame member and the first major surface of the fenestration unit, the structural bonding composite comprising:
 a compressible base member having a first adhesive layer applied to a first side of the base member to define a first structural adhesive surface bonded to the first major surface of the frame member and a second adhesive layer applied to a second side of the base member to define a second structural adhesive surface opposite the first structural adhesive surface and bonded to the first major surface of the fenestration unit; and 
 a reinforcement member secured to a portion of the base member to maintain a predetermined thickness of the base member against compression between the first major surfaces of the fenestration unit and the frame member, the predetermined thickness corresponding to a required face clearance between the first major surfaces of the fenestration unit and the frame member; 
 
 wherein the structural bonding composite independently provides a sufficient bond of the fenestration unit to the frame member without other fastening materials; and 
 wherein the reinforcement member comprises a spacer bonded to a lateral edge portion of the base member, the spacer including a first side engaging the first major surface of the frame member and a second side engaging the second major surface of the fenestration unit. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the spacer comprises a gasket. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the gasket comprises a pre-set gasket. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the gasket comprises at least one of rubber and thermal plastic. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base member comprises at least one of silicone and acrylic. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second adhesive layers comprise at least one of silicone and acrylic. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame member comprises at least one of aluminum and stainless steel. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member comprises a first reinforcement member, the system further comprising a second reinforcement member disposed within the base member. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the second reinforcement member comprises a rigid shim. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fenestration unit comprises an insulation glass unit having a first glass panel defining the first major surface and a second glass panel defining the second major surface. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame member comprises a flange portion extending around a lateral edge of the fenestration unit and defining a second major surface facing the second major surface of the fenestration unit. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the structural bonding composite has a bonding tensile strength in accordance with ASTM C1401. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the structural bonding composite has a shear strength in accordance with ASTM C1401. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined thickness is about 0.25 inches. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second adhesive layers comprise at least one of an addition-cured silicone, a radiation cured silicone, and a condensation cured silicone. 
     
     
       16. A glazing system comprising:
 a fenestration unit having opposed first and second major surfaces; 
 a frame member having a first major surface facing the first major surface of the fenestration unit; 
 a structural bonding composite interposed between the first major surface of the frame member and the first major surface of the fenestration unit, the structural bonding composite comprising a compressible base member having a first adhesive layer applied to a first side of the base member to define a first structural adhesive surface bonded to the first major surface of the frame member and a second adhesive layer applied to a second side of the base member to define a second structural adhesive surface opposite the first structural adhesive surface and bonded to the first major surface of the fenestration unit; and 
 a reinforcement spacer secured between the first major surfaces of the fenestration unit and the frame member, adjacent to a first lateral edge of the base member, to maintain a predetermined thickness of the base member against compression between the first major surfaces of the fenestration unit and the frame member, the predetermined thickness corresponding to a required face clearance between the first major surfaces of the fenestration unit and the frame member; 
 wherein the structural bonding composite independently provides a sufficient bond of the fenestration unit to the frame member without other fastening materials. 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the reinforcement spacer comprises a gasket. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the gasket comprises a pre-set gasket. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the gasket comprises at least one of rubber and thermal plastic. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the base member comprises at least one of silicone and acrylic. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second adhesive layers comprise at least one of silicone and acrylic. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the structural bonding composite has a bonding tensile strength and a shear strength in accordance with ASTM C1401. 
     
     
       23. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the predetermined thickness is about 0.25 inches. 
     
     
       24. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the reinforcement spacer is bonded to the first lateral edge of the base member. 
     
     
       25. The sytem of  claim 16 , wherein the first adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer, and the reinforcement spacer comprise silicone material. 
     
     
       26. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second adhesive layers comprise at least one of a radiation cured silicone and a condensation cured silicone.